Soccer News of Thursday, 19 May 2011

Source: GNA

Ashgold hold Kotoko to a pulsating goalless draw game

Kumasi May 19, GNA - Obuasi Ashgold held Kumasi Asante Kotoko to a pulsating goalless draw game in their 27th Week Glo Premier mid-week League encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi. The match was so hectic and uncompromising that referee, A. S Malik of Tamale did a lot to take full control of proceedings. Ashgold kicked off on a fast note and nearly took the lead but they wasted a chance that came their way in the 8th minute with two of their players receiving yellow cards in the 8th and 13th minute respectively for rough play in the local derby which was played under flood light with the attendance not all that bad.

Kotoko came into the picture strongly but failing to put their acts together to get any goal in the process with Nii Adjei also receiving a yellow card in the 16th minute. Ashgold playing like wounded tigers hit the cross bar with a header from Alhaji Sani 17th minute and with the midfield of Kotoko broken down, the Miners continued to pile pressure but the home team managed to overturn the table with Nathaniel Asamoah wasting begging opportunities in the 23rd and 30th minutes later. Henri Traore of Ashgold was shown the yellow card in the 42nd minute to end the half scoreless.

When the second session resumed, Kotoko sensing danger brought on Stephen Oduro for Fatau Mohammed and Ahmed Toure for Alex Asamoah respectively and this transformed their attacking machinery and brought pressure to bear on Ashgold. It was however Ashgold who had a chance in the 62nd minute to break trhe deadlock but the powerful shot from Alhaji Sani was parried to corner by goalkeeper Isaac Amoako with the resultant kick wasted. Both teams exhausted their substitutions but none of them was able to find the net till the final whistle.